Hygiene system for dispensing hygiene product

ABSTRACT

A hygiene system for dispensing a hygiene product includes a container within which the hygiene product is contained and from which the hygiene product is dispensed. The container includes a nozzle that defines an opening through which the hygiene product is dispensed. A valve is movable between an opened valve position, in which the hygiene product is dispensed through the opening and past the valve, and a closed valve position, in which the valve restricts a flow of the hygiene product through the opening and past the valve. A dispense structure is attached to the container and movable with respect to the nozzle. The dispense structure is movable between an opened dispense position and a closed dispense position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional filing of and claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application 62/145,397, titled “HYGIENE SYSTEM FORDISPENSING HYGIENE PRODUCT” and filed on Apr. 9, 2015, which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant application is directed towards a hygiene system. Forexample, the instant application is directed towards a hygiene systemfor selectively dispensing a hygiene product.

BACKGROUND

Hygiene systems can dispense a hygiene product to a user. Hygienesystems can be used, for example, in schools, hospitals, nursing homes,factories, restaurants, etc. In some examples, hygiene systems can behandheld, such that a user can carry the hygiene system on his/herperson, and selectively dispense the hygiene product when needed.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key factors oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an example, a hygiene system for dispensing a hygiene productcomprises a container within which the hygiene product is contained andfrom which the hygiene product is dispensed. The container comprises anozzle that defines an opening through which the hygiene product isdispensed. The hygiene system comprises a valve attached to the nozzleand positioned in proximity to the opening. The valve is movable betweenan opened valve position, in which the hygiene product is dispensedthrough the opening and past the valve, and a closed valve position, inwhich the valve restricts a flow of the hygiene product through theopening and past the valve. The hygiene system comprises a dispensestructure attached to the container and movable with respect to thenozzle. The dispense structure is movable between an opened dispenseposition, in which the hygiene product is dispensed through the openingand past the dispense structure when the valve is in the opened valveposition, and a closed dispense position, in which the dispensestructure is configured to block the valve and restrict the flow of thehygiene product past the dispense structure.

In another example, a hygiene system for dispensing a hygiene productcomprises a container within which the hygiene product is contained andfrom which the hygiene product is dispensed. The container comprises anozzle that defines an opening through which the hygiene product isdispensed. A valve is attached to the nozzle and is positioned inproximity to the opening. The valve is movable between an opened valveposition, in which the hygiene product is dispensed through the openingand past the valve, and a closed valve position, in which the valverestricts a flow of the hygiene product through the opening and past thevalve. A dispense assembly comprises a housing attached to thecontainer. The dispense assembly comprises a dispense structuresupported within the housing and movable with respect to the nozzle. Thedispense structure is movable between an opened dispense position, inwhich the hygiene product is dispensed through the opening and past thedispense structure when the valve is in the opened valve position, and aclosed dispense position, in which the dispense structure is configuredto block the valve and restrict the flow of the hygiene product past thedispense structure. The dispense assembly comprises a biasing devicesupported within the housing. The biasing device is configured to applya biasing force to the dispense structure to bias the dispense structuretowards the closed dispense position.

In another example, a hygiene system for dispensing a hygiene productcomprises a container within which the hygiene product is contained andfrom which the hygiene product is dispensed. The container comprises anozzle that defines an opening through which the hygiene product isdispensed. The hygiene system comprises a valve attached to the nozzleand positioned in proximity to the opening. The valve is movable betweenan opened valve position, in which the hygiene product is dispensedthrough the opening and past the valve, and a closed valve position, inwhich the valve restricts a flow of the hygiene product through theopening and past the valve. A dispense assembly comprises a housingattached to the container and a dispense structure supported within thehousing and movable with respect to the nozzle. The dispense structureis movable between an opened dispense position, in which the hygieneproduct is dispensed through the opening and past the dispense structurewhen the valve is in the opened valve position, and a closed dispenseposition, in which the dispense structure is configured to block thevalve and restrict the flow of the hygiene product past the dispensestructure. A biasing device is supported within the housing. The biasingdevice is configured to apply a biasing force to the dispense structureto bias the dispense structure towards the closed dispense position. Aseal is attached to the nozzle and projects from the nozzle towards thedispense structure. The seal contacting a surface of the dispensestructure as the dispense structure moves between the opened dispenseposition and the closed dispense position.

The following description and annexed drawings set forth certainillustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but afew of the various ways in which one or more aspects can be employed.Other aspects, advantages, and/or novel features of the disclosure willbecome apparent from the following detailed description when consideredin conjunction with the annexed drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example hygiene system;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example hygiene system;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example hygiene system;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example hygiene system;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example hygiene system;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example dispense structure;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example dispense structure;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example dispense structure andcompliance system;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example dispense structure andcompliance system;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example compliance system; and

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an example dispense structure andcompliance system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providean understanding of the claimed subject matter. It is evident, however,that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, structures and devices are illustrated inblock diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subjectmatter. Relative size, orientation, etc. of parts, components, etc. maydiffer from that which is illustrated while not falling outside of thescope of the claimed subject matter.

Referring to FIG. 1, an example hygiene system 100 is illustrated. Thehygiene system 100 can be used for storing and/or dispensing a hygieneproduct. The hygiene system 100 can be held by a user, such that theuser can dispense the hygiene product. As such, in this example, thehygiene system 100 has a size that is small enough to be held, gripped,manipulated, etc. by the user.

The hygiene system 100 comprises a container 102. The container 102comprises a container, enclosure, vessel, pouch, etc. into which ahygiene product 104 (e.g., illustrated schematically with a dashed linein FIG. 1) can be received and from which the hygiene product 104 can bedispensed. The container 102 can be held, gripped, manipulated, etc. bythe user. In this example, the container 102 is substantially hollow,such that the hygiene product 104 can be received within the container102. In some examples, the container 102 comprises a substantially rigidand/or durable structure or material, such as a plastic material, or thelike. In a possible example, the container 102 is substantially rigidwhile maintaining at least some degree of flexibility, such that theuser can squeeze the container 102 to cause at least some of the hygieneproduct 104 to be dispensed. In some examples, the hygiene product 104comprises soaps, cleaners, disinfectants, sanitizers, antiseptics,moisturizers, alcohol-infused liquids, or the like. In other examples,the hygiene product 104 comprises liquid or semi-liquid materials.

Turning to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of the hygiene system 100 isillustrated. In this example, the container 102 of the hygiene system100 comprises one or more walls, such as a first wall 200 and secondwalls 202. Together, the first wall 200 and the second walls 202 definea substantially hollow interior 204 of the container 102. In thisexample, the first wall 200 has one or more bends, curves, undulations,etc. and forms a perimeter of the container 102. A pair of second walls202 are spaced apart from each other (e.g., to define the hollowinterior 204 therebetween) and attached to, formed with, etc. the firstwall 200. In some examples, the second walls 202 can have at least somedegree of flexibility, such that the second walls 202 can be squeezed tocause the hygiene product 104 to be dispensed.

The container 102 comprises a support wall 206. In the illustratedexample, the support wall 206 is substantially planar, though, in otherexamples, the support wall 206 can have at least some degree of bending,curvature, etc. In this example, the support wall 206 extendssubstantially perpendicularly to the second walls 202, and is attachedto, formed with, etc. the first wall 200 and the second walls 202 arounda perimeter of the support wall 206.

The container 102 comprises a nozzle 208. The nozzle 208 can extendsubstantially perpendicularly from the support wall 206. In an example,the nozzle 208 defines an opening 210 through which the hygiene product104 can be dispensed. In an example, the opening 210 of the nozzle 208is in fluid communication with the interior 204 of the container 102. Assuch, the hygiene product 104 can be dispensed by flowing from theinterior 204 of the container 102 and through the opening 210 of thenozzle 208. In the illustrated example, the nozzle 208 extends adistance from the support wall 206. In some examples, this distance canbe between about 0 millimeters to about 51 millimeters (˜2 inches).

The nozzle 208 comprises a first attachment feature 212. In an example,the first attachment feature 212 may be provided on an exterior surface213 of the nozzle 208. The first attachment feature 212 can facilitateand/or allow for another structure to be attached to the nozzle 208. Inthis example, the first attachment feature 212 comprises a protrusionthat extends at least partially circumferentially around the exteriorsurface 213 of the nozzle 208. The first attachment feature 212 is notlimited to comprising a protrusion. Rather, in other examples, firstattachment feature 212 may comprise one or more of a groove,indentation, channel, a plurality of protrusions, magnets, mechanicalfasteners, etc. In this example, the first attachment feature 212 isspaced a distance apart from the support wall 206, though, in otherexamples, the first attachment feature 212 can be located closer to orfarther from the support wall 206 than as illustrated.

The hygiene system 100 comprises a valve 214. In an example, the valve214 can be attached to the nozzle 208 and positioned in proximity to theopening 210. By being positioned in proximity to the opening 210, insome examples, the valve 214 may be positioned within the opening 210.In other examples, by being positioned in proximity to the opening 210,the valve 214 may be attached to the nozzle 208 (e.g., to an upperportion of the nozzle 208), such that the valve 214 is located adjacentto but outside of (e.g., above) the opening 210. In these examples, thevalve 214 can selectively allow for the flow of the hygiene product 104through the opening 210 and past the valve 214.

In an example, the valve 214 can be selectively moved to an opened valveposition, in which the hygiene product 104 can flow through the opening210 and past the valve 214. In an example, the valve 214 can beselectively moved to the closed valve position, in which the valve 214restricts the flow of the hygiene product 104 through the opening 210and past the valve 214. The valve 214 can be moved between the openedvalve position and the closed valve position in any number of ways. In apossible example, in response to pressure on the container 102 (e.g.,such as by a user squeezing the walls 202), the valve 214 can move fromthe closed valve position to the opened valve position, thus allowingfor the hygiene product 104 to be expelled. When the pressure is nolonger applied to the container 102, the valve 214 can move from theopened valve position to the closed valve position, whereupon the valve214 remains until pressure is re-applied. As such, at rest and/or in theabsence of an external pressure and/or force applied to the container102, the valve 214 can be in the closed valve position, such that thehygiene product 104 is restricted from being dispensed.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the container 102 comprises at least onealignment feature. In this example, the at least one alignment featurecomprises a first alignment feature 216 and a second alignment feature218. The first alignment feature 216 and the second alignment feature218 can extend along the support wall 206. In an example, the firstalignment feature 216 and the second alignment feature 218 compriseoutcroppings, protrusions, extensions, or the like. The first alignmentfeature 216 and the second alignment feature 218 can extendsubstantially parallel to each other on opposing sides of the nozzle208. In this example, the first alignment feature 216 can be positionedon one side of the nozzle 208, between the nozzle 208 and an edge of thesupport wall 206. In this example, the second alignment feature 218 canbe positioned on an opposing side of the nozzle 208, between the nozzle208 and an opposing edge of the support wall 206. As will be describedin detail below, the first alignment feature 216 and the secondalignment feature 218 can assist in supporting a housing 220 withrespect to the container 102.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the hygiene system 100 comprises the housing220 that can be attached to the container 102. In an example, thehousing 220 comprises a first housing portion 222 and a second housingportion 224. The first housing portion 222 can be attached to the nozzle208 of the container 102. In this example, the first housing portion 222extends between a first end 226 and a second end 228. The first housingportion 222 has a length (e.g., as measured between the first end 226and the second end 228) that is less than a length of the support wall206.

The first housing portion 222 comprises a first support wall 230 thatextends between the first end 226 and the second end 228. In an example,the first support wall 230 is substantially non-planar and has arounded, curved, arcuate, etc. shape. The first support wall 230 can bein proximity to and/or in relatively close contact to the support wall206 of the container 102 at the first end 226 and the second end 228 ofthe first support wall 230. In this example, a central portion of thefirst support wall 230 can be spaced a distance apart from the supportwall 206. For example, a maximum distance separating the first supportwall 230 can substantially match a length of the nozzle 208.

The first housing portion 222 comprises an attachment wall 232. In anexample, the attachment wall 232 can be attached to, coupled to, formedwith, etc. the first support wall 230. The attachment wall 232 canextend between a central portion of the first support wall 230 and thesupport wall 206 of the container 102. In an example, the attachmentwall 232 has a length that substantially matches the length of thenozzle 208. The attachment wall 232 is substantially hollow and candefine a first housing opening 234. In the illustrated example, across-sectional size of the first housing opening 234 (e.g., diameter)can substantially match a cross-sectional size of the nozzle 208. Assuch, the nozzle 208 can be removably received within the first housingopening 234 of the first housing portion 222.

The attachment wall 232 can comprise a second attachment feature 236. Inthe illustrated example, the second attachment feature 236 is positionedon an inner surface of the attachment wall 232. The second attachmentfeature 236 can facilitate and/or allow for attachment of the firsthousing portion 222 and the nozzle 208. For example, the secondattachment feature 236 can comprises a protrusion that extends at leastpartially circumferentially around the inner surface of the attachmentwall 232. The second attachment feature 236 is not limited to comprisinga protrusion. Rather, in other examples, the second attachment feature236 may comprise one or more of a groove, indentation, channel, aplurality of protrusions, magnets, mechanical fasteners, etc.

In this example, the second attachment feature 236 can engage the firstattachment feature 212 so as to attach the first housing portion 222 tothe nozzle 208. For example, the second attachment feature 236 can bemoved between the first attachment feature 212 on one side (e.g., anupper side) and the support wall 206 on an opposing side (e.g., a lowerside). As such, a friction fit between the first attachment feature 212and the second attachment feature 236 can be formed, such that the firsthousing portion 222 is substantially limited from being inadvertentlyremoved from the nozzle 208. It will be appreciated that the hygienesystem 100 is not limited to comprising the illustrated attachmentfeatures, and other structures and/or methods for attaching the firsthousing portion 222 to the nozzle 208 are envisioned.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first housing portion 222 can comprise afirst retention structure 238 and a second retention structure 240. Thefirst retention structure 238 may be located adjacent the first end 226of the first housing portion 222. In an example, the first retentionstructure 238 comprises a wall, retainer, or other outcropping thatextends from the first support wall 230 in a direction away from thecontainer 102. In this example, the first retention structure 238 hasthree sides, though, any number of sides (e.g., one or more) can beprovided.

The second retention structure 240 may be located adjacent the secondend 228 of the first housing portion 222. In an example, the secondretention structure 240 comprises a wall, retainer, or other outcroppingthat extends from the first support wall 230 in a direction away fromthe container 102. In this example, the second retention structure 240has three sides, though, any number of sides (e.g., one or more) can beprovided. The second retention structure 240 may be substantiallysimilar to the first retention structure 238.

Referring to FIG. 2, the housing 220 comprises the second housingportion 224. The second housing portion 224 is configured to mate withand/or nest with the first housing portion 222. In an example, thesecond housing portion 224 extends between a first end 242 and a secondend 244. The first end 242 and the second end 244 of the second housingportion 224 can be in proximity to and/or in contact with the supportwall 206 of the container. In this example, the first end 242 of thesecond housing portion 224 can be fastened to (e.g., such as by a snapfit or the like) with the first end 226 of the first housing portion222. In this example, the second end 244 of the second housing portion224 can be fastened to (e.g., such as by a snap fit or the like) withthe second end 228 of the first housing portion 222.

In an example, the second housing portion 224 has a rounded, curved,arcuate, etc. shape that substantially matches a shape of the firsthousing portion 222. As illustrated, the second housing portion 224, inparticular the first end 242 and the second end 244, is substantiallyflush with the first wall 200 of the container 102. As such, atransition between the first wall 200 of the container 102 and thesecond housing portion 224 (e.g., at the first end 242 and the secondend 244) is substantially smooth and/or devoid of bumps, ridges,channels, etc.

The second housing portion 224 comprises a second support wall 250. Thesecond support wall 250 has the rounded, curved, arcuate, etc. shape.The second support wall 250 can extend between the first end 242 and thesecond end 244. In this example, the second support wall 250 can extendsubstantially parallel to the first support wall 230 of the firsthousing portion 222 (e.g., such as by extending circumferentially abouta common axis). The second support wall 250 can be radially spaced adistance apart from the first support wall 230, such that a gap, space,channel, opening, etc. may be defined between the first support wall 230and the second support wall 250.

The second support wall 250 comprises a first wall portion 252 and asecond wall portion 254. In an example, the first wall portion 252 islocated adjacent to and/or in proximity with the first end 242 of thesecond housing portion 224. In an example, the second wall portion 254is located adjacent to and/or in proximity with the second end 244 ofthe second housing portion 224. In this example, the first wall portion252 is located on a first side 256 of the nozzle 208 while the secondwall portion 254 is located on a second side 258 of the nozzle 208.

The housing 220 can define a first housing channel 260 and a secondhousing channel 262. In this example, the first housing channel 260 ispositioned on the first side 256 of the nozzle 208 while the secondhousing channel 262 is positioned on the second side 258 of the nozzle208. The first housing channel 260 can be defined between first wallportion 252 on an outer radial side and the first support wall 230 on aninner radial side. The second housing channel 262 can be defined betweenthe second wall portion 254 on an outer radial side and the firstsupport wall 230 on an inner radial side. In the illustrated example,the first housing channel 260 can be separated from the second housingchannel 262 by the nozzle 208 and/or the valve 214, which may bepositioned between the first housing channel 260 and the second housingchannel 262.

The second support wall 250 can define a second housing opening 264. Inan example, the second housing opening 264 is defined between the firstwall portion 252 and the second wall portion 254. The second housingopening 264 can be located at a central portion of the second supportwall 250. In this example, the second housing opening 264 can be alignedwith the opening 210 of the nozzle 208 such that the hygiene product 104is configured to be selectively dispensed from the opening 210 andthrough the second housing opening 264.

The hygiene system 100 can comprise a dispense structure 270. Thedispense structure 270 can be attached to the container 102 and movablewith respect to the nozzle 208. In an example, the dispense structure270 can be supported within the housing 220, with the dispense structure270 being movable within the housing 220. The dispense structure 270 canextend between a first end 272 and a second end 274. In an example, thedispense structure 270 is substantially non-planar, and can have acurved, rounded, arcuate, etc. shape. In the illustrated example, thedispense structure 270 can extend substantially parallel to the firsthousing portion 222 and the second housing portion 224.

The dispense structure 270 comprises a first dispense portion 276 and asecond dispense portion 278. In this example, the first dispense portion276 can be disposed in the first housing channel 260. That is, the firstdispense portion 276 can be positioned between the first wall portion252 of the second housing portion 224 and the first housing portion 222.The first dispense portion 276 can have a length that is less than alength of the first housing channel 260, such that the first dispenseportion 276 can move (e.g., slide, translate, etc.) within the firsthousing channel 260.

In this example, the second dispense portion 278 can be disposed in thesecond housing channel 262. That is, the second dispense portion 278 canbe positioned between the second wall portion 254 of the second housingportion 224 and the first housing portion 222. The second dispenseportion 278 can have a length that is less than or equal to a length ofthe second housing channel 262. As such, the second dispense portion 278can move (e.g., slide, translate, etc.) within the second housingchannel 262. In this example, the first dispense portion 276 and thesecond dispense portion 278 can have different lengths. For example, thefirst dispense portion 276 can have a shorter length than the seconddispense portion 278.

The dispense structure 270 can comprise a central dispense portion 280.The central dispense portion 280 can be positioned between the firstdispense portion 276 on one side and the second dispense portion 278 onan opposing side. In an example, the central dispense portion 280 can beattached to, coupled to, formed with, etc. the first dispense portion276 and the second dispense portion 278. In an example, the centraldispense portion 280 may be located in proximity to and/or adjacent tothe nozzle 208 and the first housing opening 234 of the first housingportion 222.

In this example, the central dispense portion 280 can be radially offsetfrom the first dispense portion 276 and/or the second dispense portion278. For example, while the first dispense portion 276 and the seconddispense portion 278 can be in contact with the first support wall 230,the central dispense portion 280 can be spaced a distance apart (e.g.,in the radial direction) from the first support wall 230. In an example,this radial offset of the central dispense portion 280 can accommodatefor the valve 214 and/or the attachment wall 232 to extend upwardly fromthe first support wall 230 while still allowing for movement of thecentral dispense portion 280.

The dispense structure 270 can define a dispense opening 282 (e.g.,illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5) in the central dispense portion 280through which the hygiene product 104 can be dispensed when the dispensestructure 270 is in an opened dispense position and the valve 214 is inan opened valve position. In this example, the dispense opening 282 canbe substantially aligned with the valve 214 when the dispense structure270 is in the opened dispense position. By being substantially aligned,the dispense opening 282 may be located substantially collinear with thevalve 214 and the opening 210 in the nozzle 208. As such, the hygieneproduct 104 can be dispensed by flowing through the opening 210, pastthe valve 214, and through the dispense opening 282. In an example, thedispense opening 282 may not be aligned with the valve 214 when thedispense structure 270 is in a closed dispense position. That is, thedispense opening 282 can be offset from, out of alignment with, and/ornot in fluid communication with the valve 214 when the dispensestructure 270 is in the closed dispense position.

A biasing device 284 (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5) can besupported within the housing 220. The biasing device 284 can apply abiasing force to the dispense structure 270 to bias the dispensestructure 270 towards the closed dispense position (e.g., as illustratedin FIG. 2). In this example, the biasing device 284 is positioned withinthe first housing channel 260 between the second housing portion 224 onan outer radial side and the first housing portion 222 on an innerradial side.

The biasing device 284 can extend between a first end 286 and a secondend 288. The first end 286 of the biasing device 284 can be in contactwith and/or abut against the first retention structure 238 and/or thefirst end 242 of the second housing portion 224. The second end 288 ofthe biasing device 284 can be in contact with and/or abut against thefirst end 272 of the dispense structure 270.

While the illustrated example illustrates one biasing device 284, itwill be appreciated that in other examples, any number of biasingdevices (e.g., one or more) may be provided. For example, in anotherembodiment, the hygiene system 100 can comprise the biasing device 284disposed in the first housing channel 260 and a second biasing devicedisposed in the second housing channel 262. In such an example, thedispense structure 270 can be movable in two directions (e.g., left andright as illustrated in FIG. 2), with the two biasing devices biasingthe dispense structure 270 towards a closed position.

In some examples, a seal 290 can be attached to the nozzle 208 and mayproject from the nozzle 208 towards the dispense structure 270. In suchan example, the seal 290 can extend between the nozzle 208 and/or theattachment wall 232 on one side towards a surface of the dispensestructure 270 on an opposing side. The seal 290 can contact the surfaceof the dispense structure 270 as the dispense structure 270 movesbetween the opened dispense position and the closed dispense position.In such an example, by contacting the surface of the dispense structure270, the seal 290 can limit an unintended passage of hygiene product 104past the seal (e.g., left and right in FIG. 2) and into an areasurrounding the nozzle 208 (e.g., between the support wall 206 and thefirst housing portion 222).

Turning to FIG. 6, an overhead, top down view of the dispense structure270 having the dispense opening 282 is illustrated. It will beappreciated that in this example, the dispense structure 270 isillustrated without the other portions of the hygiene system 100 for thepurposes of illustration and to more clearly illustrate portions of thedispense structure 270. In this example, the dispense opening 282 islaterally offset from the opening 210 (illustrated with dashed linesbecause the opening 210 is normally not visible from the illustratedperspective) in the nozzle 208. As such, the hygiene product 104 issubstantially restricted from flowing from the opening 210 in the nozzle208 and through the dispense opening 282.

To allow for a dispense event, the dispense structure 270 can be movedalong a first movement direction A (e.g., left to right in FIG. 6). Asillustrated in FIG. 6, the dispense structure 270 may initially be inthe closed dispense position, in which the dispense structure 270 isconfigured to block the valve 208 and restrict the flow of the hygieneproduct 104 past the dispense structure 270.

Turning to FIG. 7, in an example, the dispense structure 270 can bemoved along the first movement direction A, at least until the dispenseopening 282 is substantially aligned with the opening 210 in the nozzle208. The dispense structure 270 can be moved in any number of ways, suchas by a pushing and/or a pulling force applied by the user. For example,the user can selectively grip the dispense structure 270 and move thedispense structure along the first movement direction A.

With the dispense opening 282 aligned with the opening 210, the dispensestructure 270 is in the opened dispense position, in which the hygieneproduct 104 can be dispensed through the opening 210, through thedispense opening 282, and past the dispense structure 270. In thisexample, the user can squeeze the container 102, which can cause thevalve 208 to move to the opened valve position. As such, the hygieneproduct 104 can be dispensed through the opening 210, past the valve208, and through the dispense opening 282. When the user no longerdesires to dispense the hygiene product 104, the user can release thedispense structure 270, whereupon the biasing device 284 can cause thedispense structure 270 to move (e.g., along a second movement directionB) from the opened dispense position (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 7)back to the closed dispense position.

It will be appreciated that in some examples, the hygiene system 100 canallow for tracking of dispense events (e.g., dispensing of the hygieneproduct 104). This tracking of dispense events can be beneficial for anumber of reasons. For example, the tracking allows for a relativelyaccurate determination of when the hygiene system 100 is close torunning out of the hygiene product 104 (e.g., volume and/or levelsensing), a determination of whether a user triggered a dispense eventat an appropriate time (e.g., after using a restroom, before coming intocontact with a patient, after handling unsanitary materials, etc.), etc.

In an example, to allow for tracking of dispense events, the hygienesystem 100 may comprise one or more magnets. The one or more magnets canbe coupled to one or more portions of the hygiene system 100, such as tothe container 102, the dispense structure 270, the housing, etc. In suchan example, a magnet can detect a presence and/or a non-presence ofanother magnet. In an example, this detection can be based, at least inpart, on the dispense structure 270 moving between the opened dispenseposition and the closed dispense position. In response to thisdetection, the dispense event can be tracked and stored, thus allowingfor a determination of hygiene compliance, volume of the hygiene product104, etc.

The hygiene system 100 may include a magnet 800 attached to the secondhousing portion 224 (though, in other examples, the first magnet 800could be attached to the container 102, the first housing portion 222,etc.). The magnet 800 comprises any number of sizes/shapes. In anexample, the magnet 800 may be attached to an upper surface of thesecond housing portion 224. The upper surface in this example faces awayfrom the container 102.

The hygiene system 100 may include a compliance system 804 attached toone or more of the dispense structure 270, the housing 220, thecontainer 102, etc. In general, the compliance system 804 can be used totrack and/or monitor the number of times that dispense events occur. Adispense event may occur when the user moves the dispense structure 270from the closed dispense position to the opened dispense position.Tracking the number of dispense events with the compliance system 804may be beneficial so as to comply with hygiene protocols and proceduresthat ensure that personnel are adopting habits that are efficacious inthe prevention of disease transmission. Indeed tracking the number ofdispense events with the compliance system 804 may be beneficial in anumber of different environments, including, but not limited to,hospitals, schools, nursing homes, restaurants, factories, etc.

The compliance system 804 can be attached in any number of ways to thedispense structure 270, the housing 220, the container 102, etc. Forexample, the compliance system 804 can be attached by mechanicalfasteners (e.g., nuts, bolts, screws, etc.), adhesives, snap fit and/orlocking structures, or the like. In an example, the compliance system804 may be attached to an upper surface and/or may be in communicationwith the first magnet 800.

An example of the compliance system 804 is illustrated in FIG. 10. Thecompliance system 804 may include a magnet sensor 1000. The magnetsensor 1000 can detect a presence of the first magnet 800 when thedispense structure 270 is in the closed position. The magnet sensor 1000can detect the non-presence of the magnet 800 when the dispensestructure 270 is in the opened dispense position. For example, themagnet sensor 1000 can include a Hall effect magnet sensor. In anexample, the magnet sensor 1000 is configured to detect the proximity ofthe magnet 800 with respect to the magnet sensor 1000. When the magnet800 is greater than a predetermined distance away from the magnet sensor1000, the magnet sensor 1000 can detect this non-presence of the magnet800. In the case of a Hall effect magnet sensor 1000, the magnet sensor1000 may vary its voltage output in response to the changing magneticfield (e.g., the magnet 800 being greater than a predetermined distancefrom the magnet sensor 1000).

The compliance system 804 may include a controller 1002. The controller1002 is coupled to the magnet sensor 1000 and may receive signal(s) fromthe magnet sensor 1000 indicative of the magnet sensor 1000 detectingthe presence and/or non-presence of the magnet 800. The controller 1002can include a logic controller (e.g., microcontroller, etc.).

The compliance system 804 may include a power source 1004. The powersource 1004 is coupled to the controller 1002. The power source 1004 maypower the controller 1002, the magnet sensor 1000, etc. The power source1004 comprises any number of structures that can provide power, such asbatteries, solar cells, or the like.

The compliance system 804 may include memory 1006. The memory 1006 iscoupled to the controller 1002 and to the magnet sensor 1000. The memory1006 can store data from the magnet sensor 1000, such as informationrelated to the magnet sensor 1000 detecting the presence and/ornon-presence of the magnet 800. For example, the memory 1006 can store anumber of dispense events, wherein a dispense event corresponds to themagnet sensor 1000 detecting the non-presence of the magnet 800 when thedispense structure 270 is moved between the opened dispense position andthe closed dispense position. In some examples, the memory 206 can bereset such that the number of dispense events stored within the memory1006 can be erased. The memory 1006 can be reset/erased in any number ofways, such as by depressing a button, switch or the like, in an example.

The compliance system 804 may include a signaling component 1008. Thesignaling component 1008 may be coupled to the controller 1002, themagnet sensor 1000 and/or to the memory 1006. In an example, thesignaling component 1008 can emit a signal when the magnet sensor 1000detects the non-presence of the magnet 114. The signaling component 1008includes any number of structures that can emit a visual and/or audiblesignal. In an example, the signaling component 1008 comprises a light,such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In such an example,the signal emitted by the signaling component 1008 comprises a light. Inanother example, the signaling component 1008 comprises a speaker ormicrophone, such that the signal emitted by the signaling component 1008comprises an audible noise, such as an alarm, beep, or the like. Inother examples, the signaling component 1008 may include both the visualdevice (e.g., LED(s)) and the audible device (e.g., speaker ormicrophone).

The compliance system 804 may include a transmitter 1010. Thetransmitter 1010 may be coupled to the controller 1002, the memory 1006,the magnet sensor 1000, etc. The transmitter 1010 can transmit orotherwise communicate signals, such as a hygiene compliance signal to aremote monitoring device 1020. In an example, the transmitter 1010comprises a wireless transmitter, such that the transmitter 1010transmits/communicates wireless signals. In these examples, thetransmitter 1010 can transmit a wireless compliance signal 1030 that isindicative of the magnet sensor 1000 detecting the non-presence of themagnet 800. The transmitter 1010 comprises any number of wirelessdevices, including Bluetooth, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR),Wi-Fi, etc. As such, the wireless compliance signal(s) 1030 may compriseBluetooth signals, RF signals, infrared (IR) signals, etc.

The wireless compliance signal 1030 can be transmitted to the remotemonitoring device 1020. In an example, the wireless compliance signal1030 can be transmitted from the compliance system 804 to the remotemonitoring device 1020 when the remote monitoring device 1020 is broughtinto proximity with the compliance system 804. Data can be stored on theremote monitoring device 1020 in a manner so that it can be lateranalyzed and/or transferred to another device (e.g., computing device)for analysis. In one possible example, data can be stored in memory 1032of the remote monitoring device 1020. The memory 1032 can include, forexample, a portable memory unit such as a USB memory unit, SD memoryunit, flash memory unit, flash memory, solid state hard drive, standardhard drive, removable hard drive, etc.

This data may be transferred from the remote monitoring device 1020(e.g., from the memory 1032) to a compatible computing device foranalysis of the data. For example, the hygiene compliance data may beprocessed for the generation of reports, for analysis, or for otherreasons related to determining whether predetermined hygiene standardsand protocols are being met.

In an example, a kit of parts may be provided for converting adispensing system into a compliance hygiene system 100. In an example,the kit may include the magnet 800 and the compliance system 804,including the magnet sensor 1000, the controller 1002, the power source1004, the memory 1006, the signaling component 1008, the transmitter1010, etc. The kit of parts can be attached to container 102, thehousing 220, the dispense structure 270, etc. in a similar manner asdescribed and illustrated herein.

In operation, the dispense structure 270 may initially be in a closeddispense position (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 8). As such, the hygieneproduct 104 is substantially limited and/or restricted from beingdispensed. When the dispense structure 270 is in the closed position,the magnet sensor 1000 may detect the presence of the magnet 800, inpart, due to the relatively close proximity of the magnet 800 to themagnet sensor 1000. The magnet sensor 1000 may therefore detect that thedispense structure 270 is in the closed position.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the dispense structure 270 may be moved to theopened dispense position. As such, the hygiene product 104 can bedispensed through the dispense opening in the dispense structure 270. Inaddition, the magnet sensor 1000 may detect the non-presence of themagnet 800. For example, a distance between the magnet 800 and themagnet sensor 1000 is increased to be greater than a predetermineddistance. As such, the magnet sensor 1000 can detect this non-presenceof the magnet 800 and vary its voltage output in response. Thisnon-presence of the magnet 800 can be tracked/recorded as a dispenseevent, since the opening of the dispense structure 270 is indicative ofa user dispensing the hygiene product 104. Accordingly, the memory 1006may receive a signal from the magnet sensor 1000 that is indicative ofthis dispense event, and store the number of dispense events that haveoccurred.

After the dispense event has occurred, the dispense structure 270 may bemoved from the opened dispense position to the closed dispense position.After the dispense structure 270 has been closed, the magnet sensor 1000may detect the presence of the magnet 800. In such an example, themagnet sensor 1000 may be reset and/or disabled so as not to transmit acompliance signal or data. The magnet sensor 1000 may again transfercompliance signal or data upon the dispense structure 270 beingre-opened.

To inhibit false positives and/or inadvertent tracking of dispenseevents, one or more features, structures, devices, or the like may beprovided. In one possible example, a timer may be provided as part ofthe compliance system 804. In such an example, when the dispensestructure 270 is moved between the opened dispense position and theclosed dispense position greater than a predetermined number of timeswithin a predetermined time frame, then the dispense events may not betracked. Indeed, such a situation may exist when the user is rapidlyopening and closing the dispense structure 270 for non-dispense eventreasons.

After the number of dispense events has been tracked and stored by thecompliance system 804, this information can be transmitted to the remotemonitoring device 1020 through the wireless compliance signal 1030. Forexample, the transmitter 1010 can transmit the wireless compliancesignal 1030 that is indicative of the number of times the dispensestructure 270 has been opened (e.g., number of dispense events). Thiswireless compliance signal 1030 can be received by the remote monitoringdevice 1020, whereupon the number of dispense events can be stored(e.g., within the memory 1032), analyzed, or the like.

A benefit of the illustrated system is that, since the magnet 800 isprovided as part of a system for tracking dispense events, the magnet800 is generally waterproof, such that the magnet 800 can be exposed tothe hygiene product 104 with relatively little effect on the tracking ofdispense events. Further, the compliance system 804 uses a relativelysmall amount of power, such that the compliance system 804 can bepowered by a battery for a relatively long period of time.

It will be appreciated that the hygiene system 100 is not limited tocomprising the magnet 800. Rather, in another example, one or moreswitches (e.g., switch 1100 illustrated in FIG. 11) may be provided inaddition to and/or in the alternative to the magnet 800. The switch 1100is configured to engage one or more of the dispense structure 270 or thehousing 220. In such an example, the switch 1100 can be in contact withand/or abut against one or more of the dispense structure 270 or thehousing 220. In such an example, the switch 1100 can be either opened orclosed. When the switch is opened, an electrical circuit (e.g., as partof the compliance system 804) is broken, thus interrupting current fromflowing through the switch 1100. When the switch is closed, anelectrical circuit (e.g., as part of the compliance system 804) iscompleted, thus allowing for current to flow through the switch 1100.

The switch 1100 comprises any number of switches. For example, theswitch 1100 may comprise a button/push-button switch or other similarelectromechanical or electrical switches. The switch 1100 can functionto open or close a circuit. In an example, when the dispense structure270 is moved between the opened dispense position and the closeddispense position, the switch 1100 may detect such movement and trackthis movement as a dispense event. The switch 1100 can interact with thecompliance system 804 in a similar manner to the example described andillustrated herein with respect to the magnet 800. That is, when thedispense structure 270 moves between the opened dispense position andthe closed dispense position, the switch 1100 may detect such movement,and the compliance system 804 can track this movement as a dispenseevent.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood thatthe subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarilylimited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, thespecific features and acts described above are disclosed as exampleforms of implementing at least some of the claims.

Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order inwhich some or all of the operations described should not be construed toimply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternativeordering will be appreciated having the benefit of this description.Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarilypresent in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understoodthat not all operations are necessary in some embodiments.

Many modifications may be made to the instant disclosure withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unlessspecified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended toimply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather,such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features,elements, items, etc. For example, a first component and a secondcomponent correspond to component A and component B or two different ortwo identical components or the same component.

Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example,instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. Asused in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or”rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication are to be construed to mean “one or more” unless specifiedotherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also,at least one of A and B or the like means A or B or both A and B.Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, orvariants thereof are used in either the detailed description or theclaims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to“comprising”.

Also, although the disclosure has been illustrated and described withrespect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations andmodifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon areading and understanding of this specification and the annexeddrawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterationsand is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particularregard to the various functions performed by the above describedcomponents (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describesuch components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated,to any component which performs the specified function of the describedcomponent (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though notstructurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while aparticular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed withrespect to only one of several implementations, such feature may becombined with one or more other features of the other implementations asmay be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hygiene system for dispensing a hygieneproduct, the hygiene system comprising: a container within which thehygiene product is contained and from which the hygiene product isdispensed, the container comprising a nozzle that defines an openingthrough which the hygiene product is dispensed; a valve attached to thenozzle and positioned in proximity to the opening, the valve movablebetween an opened valve position, in which the hygiene product isdispensed through the opening and past the valve, and a closed valveposition, in which the valve restricts a flow of the hygiene productthrough the opening and past the valve; and a dispense structureattached to the container and movable with respect to the nozzle, thedispense structure movable between an opened dispense position, in whichthe hygiene product is dispensed through the opening and past thedispense structure when the valve is in the opened valve position, and aclosed dispense position, in which the dispense structure is configuredto block the valve and restrict the flow of the hygiene product past thedispense structure.
 2. The hygiene system of claim 1, comprising abiasing device configured to apply a biasing force to the dispensestructure to bias the dispense structure towards the closed dispenseposition.
 3. The hygiene system of claim 1, comprising a seal attachedto the nozzle and projecting from the nozzle towards the dispensestructure, the seal contacting a surface of the dispense structure asthe dispense structure moves between the opened dispense position andthe closed dispense position.
 4. The hygiene system of claim 1, whereinthe container comprises a substantially planar support wall, the nozzleextending substantially perpendicularly from the support wall.
 5. Thehygiene system of claim 4, wherein the dispense structure defines adispense opening through which the hygiene product is dispensed when thedispense structure is in the opened dispense position and the valve isin the opened valve position.
 6. The hygiene system of claim 5, whereinthe dispense opening is substantially aligned with the valve when thedispense structure is in the opened dispense position, the dispenseopening not aligned with the valve when the dispense structure is in theclosed dispense position.
 7. A hygiene system for dispensing a hygieneproduct, the hygiene system comprising: a container within which thehygiene product is contained and from which the hygiene product isdispensed, the container comprising a nozzle that defines an openingthrough which the hygiene product is dispensed; a valve attached to thenozzle and positioned in proximity to the opening, the valve movablebetween an opened valve position, in which the hygiene product isdispensed through the opening and past the valve, and a closed valveposition, in which the valve restricts a flow of the hygiene productthrough the opening and past the valve; and a dispense assemblycomprising: a housing attached to the container; a dispense structuresupported within the housing and movable with respect to the nozzle, thedispense structure movable between an opened dispense position, in whichthe hygiene product is dispensed through the opening and past thedispense structure when the valve is in the opened valve position, and aclosed dispense position, in which the dispense structure is configuredto block the valve and restrict the flow of the hygiene product past thedispense structure; and a biasing device supported within the housing,the biasing device configured to apply a biasing force to the dispensestructure to bias the dispense structure towards the closed dispenseposition.
 8. The hygiene system of claim 7, wherein the housing definesa first housing channel, positioned on a first side of the nozzle, and asecond housing channel, positioned on a second side of the nozzle. 9.The hygiene system of claim 8, wherein the dispense structure comprisesa first dispense portion and a second dispense portion, the firstdispense portion of the dispense structure disposed in the first housingchannel, the second dispense portion of the dispense structure disposedin the second housing channel.
 10. The hygiene system of claim 9,wherein the biasing device is supported within the second housingchannel of the housing, the biasing device engaging the second dispenseportion of the dispense structure.
 11. The hygiene system of claim 10,wherein a first end of the biasing device is configured to engage thehousing, a second end of the biasing device configured to engage thedispense structure.
 12. The hygiene system of claim 7, wherein thedispense structure is substantially non-planar.
 13. A hygiene system fordispensing a hygiene product, the hygiene system comprising: a containerwithin which the hygiene product is contained and from which the hygieneproduct is dispensed, the container comprising a nozzle that defines anopening through which the hygiene product is dispensed; a valve attachedto the nozzle and positioned in proximity to the opening, the valvemovable between an opened valve position, in which the hygiene productis dispensed through the opening and past the valve, and a closed valveposition, in which the valve restricts a flow of the hygiene productthrough the opening and past the valve; a dispense assembly comprising:a housing attached to the container; a dispense structure supportedwithin the housing and movable with respect to the nozzle, the dispensestructure movable between an opened dispense position, in which thehygiene product is dispensed through the opening and past the dispensestructure when the valve is in the opened valve position, and a closeddispense position, in which the dispense structure is configured toblock the valve and restrict the flow of the hygiene product past thedispense structure; and a biasing device supported within the housing,the biasing device configured to apply a biasing force to the dispensestructure to bias the dispense structure towards the closed dispenseposition; and a seal attached to the nozzle and projecting from thenozzle towards the dispense structure, the seal contacting a surface ofthe dispense structure as the dispense structure moves between theopened dispense position and the closed dispense position.
 14. Thehygiene system of claim 13, wherein the dispense structure defines adispense opening through which the hygiene product is dispensed when thedispense structure is in the opened dispense position and the valve isin the opened valve position.
 15. The hygiene system of claim 14,wherein the dispense opening is substantially aligned with the valvewhen the dispense structure is in the opened dispense position, thedispense opening not aligned with the valve when the dispense structureis in the closed dispense position.
 16. The hygiene system of claim 13,wherein the biasing device is positioned within a first housing channel,defined within the housing, positioned on a first side of the nozzle.17. The hygiene system of claim 16, wherein the biasing device isconfigured to be compressed when the dispense structure moves to theopened dispense position.
 18. The hygiene system of claim 13, whereinthe dispense structure comprises a first dispense portion, a seconddispense portion, and a central dispense portion, the central dispenseportion positioned between the first dispense portion and the seconddispense portion.
 19. The hygiene system of claim 18, wherein the firstdispense portion has a length that is different than the second dispenseportion.
 20. The hygiene system of claim 19, wherein the first dispenseportion has a shorter length than the second dispense portion.